Paper Talk: Bale plan emerges as Spurs star prepares hardline Madrid contract ultimatum

Bale Mourinho TEAMtalk

Gareth Bale’s plan for the final 12 months of his Real Madrid contract emerges, while Man Utd had a Wolves star on their transfer radar – both in all the latest Paper Talk.

BALE PREPARES TO MOUNT MADRID PRESSURE

Gareth Bale is planning to mount the pressure on Real Madrid with a hardline message over his contract at the end of the season, a report claims.

The 31-year-old signed up to a season-long loan at Tottenham last summer and has shown bursts of his star talent.

Indeed, he has largely struggled for game time under boss Jose Mourinho amid fitness problems earlier in the campaign.

Nevertheless, the Daily Mirror reports that the forward is already making plans for his future, with one year remaining on his £600,000 per week Madrid contract at the end of the season.

The newspaper reports that Bale will expect Los Blancos to pay all of his wages, even if he remains uncertain about his future.

Bale is open to moving back to Spurs on a permanent basis, but will not accept a pay-cut if he does return to Spain.

Fulham v Tottenham Match Preview, March 04, 2021

Fulham v Tottenham Match Preview, March 04, 2021

A look ahead to the Premier League game between Fulham and Tottenham, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.

However, should he seal a long-term London return, Bale would seek a ‘significant pay-off’.

What’s more, if he agrees to another loan switch, the Wales international would want his salary heavily subsidised, as it is now.

Spurs and Madrid pay half of his wages each, the report adds.

Bale showed his best talent in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Burnley, where he scored twice and notched an assist.

As such, he is likely to play a similar key role in Thursday’s clash with Fulham.


Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…


AND THE REST FROM PAPER TALK

Pedro Neto Adama Traore Wolves TEAMtalk

Manchester United had Pedro Neto on their transfer radar before he moved to Wolves. (Daily Express)

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith says that Ross Barkley‘s form prompted him to drop the midfielder. (Daily Mirror)

Barkley has largely impressed on his loan from Chelsea, but Villa remain unsure about making the deal permanent. (Football Insider)

As such, former striker Emile Heskey says that Smith’s side should target Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge instead. (Birmingham Mail)

LEEDS STAR ATTRACTING TRANSFER INTEREST

Illan Meslier Leeds United TEAMtalk

The agent of Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier says that his client is attracting interest from “big clubs”. (Yorkshire Evening Post)

But the Whites are keen to keep hold of star winger Raphinha after his impressive form this season. (Daily Mirror)

Everton and Fulham scouts have become attentive to the form of Stuttgart forward Wamangituka. (Eurosport)

Meanwhile, the Toffees are willing to offer a permanent deal to loan striker Joshua King. (Football Insider)

SOUTHGATE BACKS UK, IRELAND WORLD CUP BID

Gareth Southgate England

England boss Gareth Southgate says it would be an “amazing” experience if the UK and Republic of Ireland hosted the 2030 World Cup. (talkSPORT)

The Football Association feels confident that Valencia forward Yunus Musah will opt to play for England. The 21-year-old is eligible to line up for Italy and the United States. (Daily Mail)

Facundo Pellistri says that he regrets having to leave Manchester United on loan in January. (ESPN)

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been ordered to cut their salaries due to the cost of Covid-19. (The Sun)

CHELSEA MONITORING GOALKEEPER

Gianluigi Donnarumma Spezia v AC Milan February 2021

Chelsea are continuing to monitor AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma amid his uncertain situation. Indeed, doubt remains over whether the Italian will sign a new deal at his club. (Eurosport)

Tottenham’s majority owner Joe Lewis has urged chairman Daniel Levy to make the club self-sustainable. (Daily Express)

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias says that Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were his childhood idols. (The Sun)

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has dampened hopes of a big summer of spending. (Daily Mirror)